Laparoscopic partial splenectomy is safe and effective in patients with focal benign splenic lesion.

backgroundTraditionally, splenectomy is considered as the treatment for splenic lesions. The risk of early and late complications and the awareness of immunologic function of spleen have pushed the development of spleen sparing techniques. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic partial splenectomy in selected patients.

methodsFrom May 2011 we initiated performing laparoscopic partial splenectomy in patients with focal benign splenic lesion. The main surgical procedure consisted of four steps: 1. Mobilizing the perisplenic ligaments. 2. Ligating and dissecting the vessels which supplying the involved spleen. 3. Dissecting the spleen along the demarcation. 4. Hemostasis was achieved by bipolar energy device. The perioperative data were collected and analyzed. The follow-up including quality of life and splenic regrowth was routinely undergone 6 months after surgery.

resultsFrom May 2011 to December 2013, laparoscopic partial splenectomy had been performed on 11 patients aged from 13 to 57 (mean 33). The indications included nonparasitic cyst (n = 6), lymphangioma (n = 3), and hemangioma (n = 2). The mean operative time was 148 min (range 110-200 min). The mean estimated blood loss was 189 ml (range 100-400 ml). One patient converted to total splenectomy because of hemorrhaging. Two patients suffered from postoperative complications: the one who converted to total splenectomy suffered from portal vein thrombosis, the other one underwent partial splenectomy suffered from fluid collection around splenic recess. There was no blood transfusion and postoperative mortality. All patients discharged uneventfully. Seven patients finished the follow-up including evaluation of CT scan and quality of life 6 month after surgery. The results demonstrated all these patients had different degree of splenic regrowth and gained a good quality of life.

conclusionsLaparoscopic partial splenectomy is safe and effective in patients with focal benign splenic lesion. Meanwhile, this technique potentially retains some splenic function, and confers the benefit of a minimal access technique.